What year did you graduate from Crossroads Academy?
2017
How did your Crossroads education in the Core Knowledge/Core Virtues curricula prepare you for where you are today?
I believe the virtues got me to where I am today. Learning the Core Knowledge and Core Virtues so early on made me more confident in my decisions later on. I have used perseverance every day of my life, but definitely in some situations more than others. As many of my teachers know, I hiked a lot in my young life. Some hikes were harder than others, but it was the feeling of accomplishment and hard work, and knowing I persevered through. That is why I chose the military. The feeling of sheer pride and hard work, and looking back and seeing my perseverance is exactly what I want in life.
What was your favorite class at Crossroads? Why?
My favorite class at Crossroads was any of the poetry classes. I also really enjoyed learning about the bigger wars like WWII/the Holocaust and the Vietnam War. Mr. Tenney knows I didn’t excel in History, but military topics really interested me, and I should’ve taken that as a sign. If Mr. Tenney knew I asked for extra war books in high school, I know he would do a happy dance!
Is there a Crossroads moment, event or mentor you feel made a foundational impact in your life?
So much happened while I was at Crossroads, and I had many impactful mentors too. My teachers pushed me so much and saw the potential in me even if I didn’t believe or show it. I also think the days we sat outside writing poems in any class helped me find a sense of calmness, and I found my inner writer, and I continue to write now. My high school teachers were in shock with my writing length and skills.
Where are you now and what are you doing?
As I write this I am at Air Force Basic Military Training . I have 17 days left out of 51, and after this I go straight into job training (tech school) for 65 days in Security Forces. I joined the military after looking into the K9 program, and I hope one day I am training military dogs. I now have a different “why”. I also chose the military so my future family will have a good life, in comfort and stability.
